Values Define Europe. (Not Borders)

Based on 'Values define Europe, not borders' (FT)

Enlargement; arguably one of the most successful policies of the EU is shaping the new Europe. The EU progressively extends to areas of peace and democracy across the wide expanse of European culture, stretching from the Atlantic to the Carpathian mountains, and from northern Lapland down to the coast of the Levant in the eastern Mediterranean.

The expansion of Europe needs to ensure that the citizens support them and that it sustains its capacity to act. But the EU cannot close its doors. What principles are to be used to guide the enlargement policy?

Geography plays a vital role in Europe’s ultimate borders but what really makes Europe and what really defines it, is not geography, but values. The most fundamental values being liberty and solidarity, tolerance and human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The EU treaty which states that ‘any European state may apply’ for membership was signed last year but still awaits ratification. However, the conditions for accession go well beyond treaty provisions. Each country must meet four prime criteria in order to be assimilated into the European public.

Firstly, a country must have a European vocation. Political leaders must ensure that they are backed by the people; the Turkish citizens seem to have this vocation, which is exactly what Norway seems to lack. Being part of the large community of countries affects its domestic laws and institutions and therefore must be firmly supported by the citizens.

Secondly, any country wanting to be part of the EU must respect European values and also be able to live up to them. This concerns the rule of law in all spheres of life, which has turned out to be the litmus test for Turkey’s accession talks. Countries have to relinquish power politics to be part of the EU. A change in fundamental thinking from ‘might is right’ is one of postwar Europe’s greatest successes. This revolutionary change is what distinguishes European values from the mindset of spheres of influence currently prevailing in Russia.

Thirdly, all countries must be able to bear the burden of membership, not just reap the benefits. When considering countries such as Bulgaria and Romania, the enlargement commissioners must ensure that they are genuinely able to fulfil the commitments they make. There is no good, both, for the EU and the new member state, in accepting a country and then finding out that it is not able to withstand the rigours of membership.

Lastly, a condition which is oft-forgotten for enlargement is the ‘Union’s capacity to maintain the momentum of European integration’. Paralysis of Europe could be fatal and halt all hopes of a wider and deeper Europe.

European values are of paramount importance to the citizens of Europe but geography still plays a vital role when it comes to spreading these all important values. In 2009, the EU may have 27 members, with half a dozen western Balkan countries well on their way, and Turkey on track, through rigorous reforms. By the adoption of these values, we may all see peace and prosperity prevail in the future Europe.